Self-consumption by the back door
Spain: Lower module prices and high levels of insolation mean photovoltaics is attractive in Spain even without government support. As a result, more and more companies are installing their own solar power systems to reduce electricity bills although the government in Madrid has yet to pass any clear legislation regulating self-consumption.
Seoul shows the way forward
Dear readers, Although the PV industry is currently exposed to severe headwinds, particularly in Germany and Europe, there are renewed signs of hope and new beginnings. While the Spanish module manufacturer Isofotón is struggling with a high debt burden and, according to Spanish daily papers, has already instituted pre-insolvency proceedings, Phoenix Solar has also pulled […]
Silver lining for cost savings
Replacing silver: Silver is a metal with a volatile price; it can bring big gains or cause huge tumbles. With the International Monetary Fund predicting a 3.6% global expansion in 2013, from 3.3% in 2012, silver remains a sought-after commodity worldwide and in PV. Of late possible substitutes like copper, nickel and tin, among others, have been seeing success.
Solid as a rock
On-roof mounting systems: Extreme wind speeds seem to be on the rise. The consequences for the design of solar mounting systems are explained by Sandy Schnitzer, Director Engineering at Mounting Systems, one of the largest manufacturers of solar mounting racks, founded in 1993 and based in Rangsdorf near Berlin.
Some live longer
Comparison of life spans: How long a battery lasts when used for a certain photovoltaic application depends on the circumstances. The manufacturers specifications are derived under favorable laboratory conditions. Thus in practice such values may often vary. Ulrich Ehmes explains how such information can be evaluated.
Strong upward trend
Ardour Solar Index: Warren Buffett provides a vote of confidence as pricing stabilizes. Companies with downstream presence get a second look.
The battle over the EEG
Germany: At the end of January, Peter Altmaier, the German Federal Minister for the Environment, had announced a proposal to introduce a so-called electricity price protection measure. This would be a catastrophe for the development of renewable energies. However, the chances of success for his proposal are quite limited.
Tied up in knots
Indian solar market update: Indias antidumping investigations are introducing unwanted uncertainty to its solar market. Raj Prabhu, Managing Partner of Mercom Capital Group, provides an overview of the first quarter 2013 and the current Indian state policies.
A cell phone saves you the trip to the basement
Inverters: Inverters can now communicate and are better adapted to their various uses than ever before. Thomas Mühlberger, head of PV System Technology at Fronius International GmbH, talks about the trends.
Another year of steady growth
Mercom Capital global forecast: Raj Prabhu, CEO and Cofounder of Mercom Capital Group, forecasts 2013 installations of 34.5 GW.
